Docking strut



Jamzo, 194s. R G, PETERSN 2,434,673

DOCKING STRUT Filed -May 5, 1945 INVENTOR. v RALFI-.gy FETERSDN MPM Patented Jan. 20, 1948 UN ITED STATES PATENT CFFICE 9 Claims.

This invention relates `to docking struts and more particularly to those designed 'to prevent damage to carrier type vessels.

Heretofore, the 4docking of an Vaircraft carrier or carrier type vessel lhas created a ,problem inV spacing or fending the vesseladistance sufficient to prevent the overhanging superstructure, such as the flight deck and gun platforms, from interfering with the movement of cranes and other Yequipment on the pier and to prevent damage to said superstructure by 'such equipment.

Although target rafts, solid timber floats and similar means have been employed in attempts to accomplish the desired spacing or tending of the vessel from the wpien'rrone have been successful clue to the rigidity of such fenders, their cost and cumbersomeness aswell as the inherent dii culties encountered in positioning and securing the same.

The principal objects of the present inventi-on are therefore, to provide an improved docking strut for fen'ding or spacing a Vcarrier type -or other vessel having an overhanging superstructure a -sufcient distance from a pier to prevent damage to the superstructure .and to eliminate `interference with the movement of cranes land other equipment upon the pier-by said superstructure, while permitting `movement of the vessel without damage to the same -or the :strut: to provide an improved docking struthavi-ng .limited flexibility so as to be capable of movement with a `docked vessel relative tothe pier; to provide an improved docking .strut which is `so constructed as to distribute the loads imposed by excessive shifting of the Ivessel over la considerable area 'of the pier or upon a number of its fender piles; to provide an improved docking vstrut 'having an adjustable bearing surface so yaste conform to the shape of the hull of the docked vessel, lthereby preventing Adamage to fsaid hull; to provide an improved `docking V'strut which 4may-be readily Amoved into and out offending position tojpermlt the docking :of allltypes of vessels; and toprovide improved elements and arrangements thereof in a docking :str-utof the rcharacter Aand for the amended April 30, 1928; 370 O. G. 757) Fig. 2 is an enlarged plan View of one of the docking struts, showing its details of construction `andits connection to the camel logs.

Referring more in detail to the drawing:

In Fig. 1, the numeral I designates the usual upright fender piles of a pier (not shown) which have generally cylindrical timbers or members 2, of wood and commonly referred to as camel logs, fastened thereto at approximately the water line so as to float and be self-supporting. The mem- -bers 2 are disposed horizontally in axial alignment and are preferably spaced a slight distance from each other. A plurality of docking struts or assemblies 3, preferably three in number, are adapted to be fastened to the members 2 and project laterally therefrom for spacing or fending the hull `of a vessel of carrier or other type from the pier 'a distance sufficient to prevent damage to the overhanging superstructure of the vessel such as the flight deck and gun platforms of an aircraft carrier, aswell as to prevent such superstructure from interfering with the movement of cranes and other equipment upon the pier. Manifestly, the quantity of the struts or assemblies is not critica-l and, in some instances, it might be desirable to employ a greater or fewer number of the same.

As is clearly shown in Fig. 2, each 4strut or assembly 3 preferably includes a pair of horizontal elements or arms fl, of any suitable material, having their outer ends converging and pivotally connected to a clamping bracket 5 by pivot pins 6 which are suitably mounted in the bracket adjacent each end thereof. A similar clamping bracket or plate 1 is pivotally connected by a pivot pin 8 to the inner end of each arm 4 for securing the same to one of the members 2. Each plate l is of relatively short length and is disposed contiguously to the outer lateral portion of its respec *tive member 2, preferably being connected thereto by a pair of tie bolts 9 and encircling wire lines l0 which are disposed at the ends of the plate. if desired, the member 2 may be recessed or cut away as shown by the numeral Il for receiving the lines I0 and `permitting the lsame to lie ush with the exterior of saidmember. Attention is directed to the fact that each plate 'l is preferably disposed adjacent one end of its member 2 so as to dispose the bracket 5 in substantial alignment with the space between adjacent members and thereby distribute the load between said members and their respective piles i, as will be hereinafter more fully explained.

A connecting truss or link i2 is disposedbetween the inner ends of the arms 4 in approximately contiguous, parallel relation to the members 2 and is fastened to said arm ends by suitable eye bolts I3 which are carried by the arms and connected to the ends of the link by pivot pins it. Thus, the arms 4 may move or pivot horizontally relative to the link I2 and said link functions primarily to space and hold the plates I in a fixed position relative to each other.

For fending or bearing against the hull H of the ship to be docked, a cylindrical wooden member or camel log I5 is adapted to'be fastened to the outer lateral surface of the bracket 5 by means of a pair of tie bolts I6 and wire lines Il so as to Ybe disposed horizontally of and parallel to the members 2. The log I5 preferably has its medial portion secured to the bracket 5 so as to project equally beyond each end thereof and may be recessed or cut away as shown by the numeral I8 for receiving the wire lines Il and permitting the same to lie flush with the exterior of said log. As shown in Fig. 1, the log I5 is preferably of considerably less length than the members 2. A diametric opening I9 is formed in each end of the log I5 for receiving a wire line it? which has a, stabilizing line 2i connected thereto, whereby the ends of the log may be swung manually slight distances in a horizontal plane due to the provision of the pivot pins 6, 8 and il and the limited pivotal movement of the arms d. A suitable cleat 22 is provided at the inner end portion of each arm for permitting the securing of the lines 2l and the holding of the arms and log l5 in relatively fixed positions.

When the docking struts are not necessary for certain types of vessels, it is desirable to alter their position or remove them entirelyy from their functional position shown. To this end, I have provided a convenient arrangement which preferably includes a hollow tank or iioat 23 that may be pivotally secured by suitable straps 2li between the outer end portions of the arms l adjacent the bracket 5 to allow movement thereof with the strut. The float 23 preferably has a vaived inlet 25 communicating with its i-.iterior through one side wall thereof. A flexible conduit or hose 25 is suitably connected in the inlet for conducting air, water or other iiuid under pressure to the interior of the float from a suitable pump (not shown) which may be mounted on the pier. Although not illustrated, the valve of the inlet 25 is preferably of the back-pressure type so as to admit iiuid under l`e while preventing the escape of such A valved outlet 2 is formed in the opposite side wall of the float and has a springpressed che .i valve (not shown) mounted therein for preventing the escape of fluid below a predetermined pressure from the interior of the iioat. By filling the oat with air, it will have sufdcient buoyancy to support the strut in a horizontal position. Although the log I5 has sunlcient buoyancy to be self-supporting, it does not support the weight of the entire strut and particularly the iioat 23 when the latter is filled with water. In order to submerge the strut, it is necessary to pump or force water or other liquid into the interior of the float through the hose 25 and inlet 25, thereby opening the check valve (not shown) and forcing the air out through the outlet 21.

Operation The operation of a docking strut constructed as described is as follows:

^ of such equipment.

or other type having an overhanging superstructure, such as the flight deck and gun platforms of an aircraft carrier, the docking struts 3 are swung into horizontal position as shown in FigA l. Although the struts might be removed and stored when not in use, it is preferable to employ the floats 23 for submerging and raising said struts by swinging or pivoting the same vertically about the members 2. It is ordinarily necessary to loosen the eye bolts 9 and the ropes I@ in order to permit this vertical movement of the struts as well as circumferential movement of the plates 'I about the members 2. When the struts are submerged, the floats contain water or other liquid and the weight of said struts or their floats is sufficient to overcome the buoyancy of the camel logs I5. Thus, the struts are disposed close to the lower or underwater portions of the fender piles I. In order to exhaust the water or liquid from each iioat, air is pumped or forced through each hose 26 and inlet 25. When the pressure within the float builds up sufficiently to overcome the pressure of the spring resisting opening of the check valve of the outlet 2i, said valve opens to permit the ejection of said water or liquid through said outlet. rihe escape of the water or liquid from the floats is facilitated by the outlets 2 being disposed beneath their respective floats upon submergence or vertical disposition of the struts. Upon the filling of the floats with air and the exhaustion of the water or liquid therefrom, the struts swing or pivot upwardly to the horizontal floating position illustrated. A ship of the carrier or other type, having an overhanging superstructure, may be readily docked and properly spaced from the pier when the struts are in such position.

Due to the horizontal pivotal mounting of the arms 4, the camel logs I5 are permitted to turn or pivot in a horizontal plane so as to conform to the shape of the ship hull H. After this conformity of the logs and the docking of the ship, the lines 2| may be secured to the cleats 22 to prevent said logs from altering their positions. The logs fend or bear against the hull H as shown in Fig. 1 so as to prevent damage to or marring of said hull by the struts and move limited distances with the hull. Since each strut is connected to at least two 'camel logs or members 2 and since the latter are carried by a plurality of the fender piles l, it is readily apparent that the loads imposed upon the struts are distributed throughout a relatively large area of the pier so as to prevent undue strains upon the latter.

As has been hereinbefore pointed out, the struts space the hull H a sucient distance from the pier to prevent damage to the superstructure of the ship by the movement of cranes or other equipment upon the pier. Also, the ships superstructure does not interfere with the movement When not in use or when it is desired to dock a ship not having an overhanging superstructure, the struts are moved or swung out of their horizontal or lateral position and this movement is preferably accomplished by filling each float Z'S'with water. The air is exhausted through the opening 2'! by forcing water or liquidunder pressure through the hose 26 and inlet 25. Upon filling of the oats with water, the weight of the struts overcomes the buoyancy of the logs I5 so as to sink or submerge said struts and cause the same to depend vertically from the members 2 adjacent the piles. Attention is again directed to the fact that the number of struts employed is subject to variation, a1- though three have been found to be adequate.

From the foregoing, it is readily apparent that a docking strut has been provided which has sufficient flexibility to be particularly adaptable for use in fending or spacing vessels having overhanging superstructures so as to prevent damage to said superstructures or interference with the movement of equipment upon the pier and which is so constructed and supported that the loads imposed upon the strut are distributed throughout a considerable area of said pier.

I have described one embodiment of my invention. However, it will be apparent that the device is susceptible to numerous modiiications without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, I do not wish to be limited by the disclosure set forth hereinbefore, but only by the scope of the appended Claims.

The invention described herein may be manu factured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

I claim:

l. A docking strut fastened to a pier including` a horizontal frame of substantially triangular shape, the frame having a pair of outwardly directed converging arms, a pair of plates pivotally connecting the inner ends of the arms to the pier, a bracket pivotally connecting the outer ends of said arms to each other, a link pivotally `connected between the inner ends of the arms for spacing the same relative to each other, and a iioating member secured to the bracket and dis posed horizontally for bearing against the hull of the vessel to be docked.

2. A docking strut fastened to a pier including, a horizontal frame of substantially triangular shape, the frame having a pair of outwardly directed converging arms, a pair of plates pivotally connecting the inner ends of the arms to the p'er, a bracket pivotally connecting the outer ends of said arms to each other, a link pivotally connected between the inner ends of the arms for spacing the same relative to each other, a iloating member secured to the bracket and disposed horizontally for bearing against the hull of the vessel to be docked, and stabilizing lines extending between the outer ends of the bearing member and the inner ends of the frame arms.

3. A docking strut fastened to a pier including, a horizontal frame of substantially triangular shape, the frame having a pair of outwardly directed converging arms, a pair of plates pivotally connecting the inner ends of the arms to the pier, a bracket pivotally connecting the outer ends of said arms to each other, a link pivotally connected between the inner ends of the arms for spacing the same relative to each other, a floating member secured to the bracket and disposed horizontally for bearing against the hull of the vessel to be docked, and a hollow float carried by portions of the frame arms and adapted to be filled for submerging and swinging the frame downwardly relative to the pier, the pair of plates being adjustably secured to the pier so as to permit loosening of said plates and downward swinging of said frame.

4. A docking strut fastened to a pier including, a horizontal frame of substantially triangular shape, the frame having a pair of outwardly directed converging arms, a pair of plates pivotally connecting the inner ends of the arms to the pier, a bracket pivotally connecting the outer ends of said arms to each other, a fioating member secured to the bracket and disposed horizontally for bearing against the hull of a vessel to be docked, and stabilizing lines extending between the outer ends of the bearing member and the inner ends of the frame arms.

5. A docking strut secured to a pier including, horizontally-aligned outwardly-directed elements pivotally connected to the pier, a member for bearing against the hull of a vessel to be docked, means for vertically pivotally connecting the bearing member to the outer ends of the elements whereby said bearing member is adapted to undergo pivotal movement about a substantially vertical axis, and stabilizing lines extending between said bearing member and the inner portions of said elements.

6. A docking strut secured to a pier including, a substantially horizontal frame of generally trapezoidal shape, the frame having a pair of lateral outwardly convergingV elements pivotally connected to the pier, means pivotally connecting the outer portions of the elements so as to permit horizontal movement of said elements relative to each other, and a member fastened to said elements by the pivotal connecting means for bearing against the hull of a vessel to be docked, the member being pivotable horizontally so as to be movable with said vessel relative to said elements.

'7. A docking strut secured to a pier including, a pair of elements pivotally connected to the pier and arranged laterally thereof, and a horizontal bearing member having pivotal connection with the outer ends of the elements so as to be movable in a horizontal arc relative to said elements.

8. A docking strut secured to a pier including, a pair of elements pivotally connected to the pier and extending laterally thereof so as to undergo pivotal movement in a horizontal plane, and a horizontal member having pivotal connection with the outer ends of the elements for bearing against the hull of a vessel to be docked and being pivotable relative to said elements in a horizontal plane.

9. A docking strut secured to a pier including, horizontally-aligned outwardly-directed elements pivotally connected to the pier so as to be movable in a horizontal plane, a horizontal member for bearing against the hull of a vessel to be docked, and means for pivotally connecting the bearing member to the outer ends of the elements whereby said member is pivotable in a horizontal plane relative to said elements and pier so as to substantially conform to the shape and movement of the vessel.

RALPH G. PETERSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,303,959 Powlin May 20, 1919 2,039,151 Dubois Apr. 28, 1936 2,120,545 Buckton June 14, 1938 2,336,140 Vogler Dec. 7, 1943 

